Hannah Morris

General Practice Nurses play an essential role in delivering care through general practice, taking on a spectrum of different responsibilities within patient care to support the ever-increasing workload within GP surgeries, clinics and health centres. Often working autonomously, as part of a multidisciplinary team, general practice nurses assess, advise and treat patients of all different ages and backgrounds, and therefore may encounter almost every aspect of patient care during their work. This book is specifically aimed at GP Nurses undertaking independent prescribing within the complexity of contemporary primary healthcare. It offers a complete overview for those taking on an independent nurse prescribing course as well as those nurses who have already qualified as independent prescribers. Case studies written for the general practice setting will help nurses build on the skills and practice they have already developed as they take on the independent prescribing role, and will also be of value to more experienced or advanced nurses hoping to refresh their existing knowledge. Written by a range of specialist authors, the book also covers the theoretical knowledge and context associated with independent prescribing, enabling GP nurses to practise competently and confidently and deliver clinically effective, person-centred care.

District and community nursing are unique roles within healthcare practice. When visiting patients in their own homes or in residential care homes, district nurses are required to deal with a range of health and social care needs, often in unpredictable and changing environments. As part of the increasingly complex care district nurses offer to patients, independent prescribing can also enable a timely and effective response to providing patient-centred care. This book is specifically aimed at district nurses undertaking independent prescribing within the complexity of contemporary primary health care. It will help district nurses build on the skills and practice they have developed as community nurse prescribers as they develop into the independent prescribing role. District nurses also need to consider autonomous decision making in prescribing practice whilst prescribing as part of a wider health care team, supporting patients to self-manage and considering individual patient and family factors to maintain wellbeing and positive outcomes. Bringing together a range of specialist authors, the book covers the theoretical knowledge and context associated with independent prescribing, enabling district nurses to practice competently and confidently to deliver clinically effective, person-centred care. It offers a complete overview for those taking an independent nurse prescribing course as well as district nurses who have already qualified as independent prescribers.

Independent prescribing is intended to support and enhance the overall delivery of care to patients within a wide range of circumstances and the devolution of prescribing from medical practitioners has been in place for several years. In 2018, legislation was passed in the UK allowing for paramedics to also undertake training to become independent prescribers. Independent prescribing is now carried out by those paramedics who are practising at an advanced level and have a role in clinical practice for which prescribing is a benefit to patient care. This book is the first guide on independent prescribing for paramedics reflecting the 2018 legislation. Bringing together a range of specialist authors, the book supports the College of Paramedics’ practice guidance and also covers the theoretical knowledge and context associated with independent prescribing. It will appeal to any paramedic working at an advanced level with an interest in independent prescribing as well as senior student paramedics who are interested in further development post-registration.